Jennifer Rene Psaki

“ I’m sure he could share that with all of you.But I would say that we’re certainly encouraged to hear that Senator Manchin is open to raising the corporate tax rate as a means of potentially paying for a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and, most importantly, to creating jobs.
And the President is happy to hear ideas or alternatives for how this plan and package could — should be paid for. His primary focus is on this investment; on creating jobs; on helping put back to work the millions of men and women who don’t have college degrees ”

“ And equity was cited as the reason for which the White House decided against surging vaccines in Michigan. The administration is surging FEMA vaccinators. What makes the vaccine different? MS. PSAKI: I would say, I think it’s important to understand how we’ve approached vaccine distribution from the beginning. It’s done with equity in mind. It’s done with the state — the population, the adult population in mind.We don’t pick by our friends. We don’t pick through a political prism. We pick through what is most effective to be fair and equitable around the country. ”

“ Q With regard to the militarization of the borders in Central America and the agreements that have been secured: Did the White House in any way secure any — is the White House concerned, given the record number of children that have been making this trek, that they are at greater risk given the fact that these are soldiers, not daycare workers? MS. PSAKI: Well, I think the objective is to deter — deter the journey. And so that’s why our discussions with these countries involved increasing law enforcement capacity at the border. ”

“ We’re looking for a range of creative ways to get directly connected to white conservative communities. We won’t always be the best messengers, but we’re still trying to meet people where they are but also empower local organizations. ”

“ As you know, a key part of the President’s Build Back Better plan includes a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles and batteries built here in America. We need a strong, diversified, and resilient U.S.-based electric vehicle battery supply chain so we can meet the growing global demand for these vehicles and components. ”

“ We distribute and get the supply out as quickly as possible. So that’s why our focus is on working with states like Michigan to, you know, surge testing, surge tracing, surge the distribution of therapeutics — areas where we have the ability to provide additional help, additional resources. ”

“ Through those discussions, there was a commitment, as you mentioned, to increase border security.So, Mexico made the decision to maintain 10,000 troops at its southern border, resulting in twice as many daily migrant interdictions. Guatemala surged 1,500 police and military personnel to its southern border with Honduras and agreed to set up 12 checkpoints along the migratory route. Honduras surged 7,000 police and military to disperse a large contingent of migrants. ”

“ And in Nevada, finally, 243,000 renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent — one of the reasons we’ve proposed — the President has proposed investing over $200 billion to increase housing supply. ”

“ Do you think that the White House has had any part in this — in having, sort of, maybe a pessimistic message towards some Americans who are skeptical of this administration, who — for partisan reasons or otherwise — to see vaccinated people in the Cabinet or the President continuing to wear masks around each other, or hearing that things won’t be back to normal as the vaccine continues to be distributed? Do you think that that is having a negative effect at all? MS. PSAKI: On people — make sure I understand your question. Q Of people who are skeptical. ”

“ So, our view is that this is certainly something where we need to work closely with industry; we need to work closely with Congress — Democrats and Republicans — there’s agreement on this issue being one that’s impacting industries across the country; also with allies and partners on how we can prevent the shortage from happening in the future. ”

“ Do you — Q I mean, you know, the goal of the plan is to create jobs and stimulate the economy, and they’re saying that’s already happening, which is a great thing. So is he willing to scale back on some of these items? Because we’re already seeing growth. ”

“ Q It seems, obviously, that officer-involved interactions with the public are intensely important at the moment. So, first, on Minnesota — and if you could address the police commission not going forward. MS. PSAKI: Sure. Sure. And just check me if I don’t get to all of your questions; I will try to do my best.Let me first say that we are incredibly saddened. We were incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of life at the hands of law enforcement in Minnesota yesterday. ”

“ Q Yes, you talked about paying for the infrastructure bill. Is the President set on raising the corporate tax rate as the way to do that, even though Republicans are saying it’s a red line? Or is that also open to negotiation? MS. PSAKI: It’s op- — it’s all open to negotiation. But I will say that raising — having corporations pay more, pay their fair share ”